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Definition of forthwith

forthwith

/ˌfɔːrθˈwɪθ/
forth · with
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forthwith Lexical Profile

forthwith Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Immediately; without any delay or hesitation (especially in formal, official, or legal contexts).

Example

"The judge ordered that the seized documents be returned to the defendant forthwith."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for forthwith
Antonyms
View all antonyms for forthwith

Word Nuance & Usage

"Forthwith" belongs primarily to formal, legal, and bureaucratic registers (often seen in court orders or contracts); in everyday conversation, it sounds stiff or archaic compared to "immediately" or "right away."

• Rhymes for forthwith

• Nearby Words

forthright
forthrightly
forthrightness
forthwith
fortieth
fortification
fortified

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English "forthwith," a shortened form of the earlier phrase "forth mid" (meaning "along with" or "at the same time"), combining "forth" (forward) and "with."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forthwith. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forthwith
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